Top Traditional Places to Stay in Seoul

For the traditional lovers, DOAJAE is your back-to-basics, go-to, home away from home. The location is a centuries-old hanok, reinterpreted for modern times. While the heritage is present, guests remark still on its cozy atmosphere and comforting charm.

NAMUHOTEL is a modern hotel recognized with an Institute of Architects Award for its distinctive design. Each of the five rooms possesses a unique structure and furniture arrangement, moving beyond a standardized hotel experience. With an entrance tucked into an alley and balconies that encourage a connection with nature, the hotel emphasizes a contemporary and intimate architectural style.

Rakkojae is a traditional Korean cultural center located within the historic Bukchon Hanok Village. Its name translates to "a house to enjoy the old," reflecting its purpose of offering an authentic hanok (traditional Korean house) experience. The establishment provides guests with opportunities to engage directly with Korean culture through activities such as traditional tea ceremonies and cooking classes.

The newcomer of the bunch, HOTEL DRIP&DROP is a modern accommodation that draws its core concept from Korea's contemporary coffee culture. The hotel provides a blend of meticulously designed private rooms and 52 compact, single-sized capsule rooms separated by gender for privacy and practicality. A common lounge on the 7th floor is dedicated to showcasing various coffee brands, creating an immersive experience centered around this modern Korean trend.

A former inn transformed into a single-guest stay, YEOJEONG offers a personal sanctuary with skylight-filtered light, fragrant tea ceremonies, and peaceful walking paths. Guests can't stop talking about this spot on the brand's Instagram, remarking on its quiet, serene, ultra-simplistic atmosphere.

Referred to as 'Seochon Guest House' by Korea's official tourism organization, this property offers a unique mix of traditional and Western architecture. The accommodation consists of a 90-year-old hanok alongside a two-story Western-style house. It exemplifies Korean tradition by hosting bi-annual Pansori (traditional musical storytelling) performances in its yard and providing cultural programs for visiting nearby palaces and markets.

Positioned as a "Modern Space of Hospitality," Hanok Essay is set within a traditional house in the historic village of Seochon. It preserves the tranquility of a hanok while integrating contemporary comforts for quiet relaxation. The space is equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen with drip coffee sets and a bathtub that offers a view of the garden, blending traditional architecture with modern leisure.

THE CHAE: HAUDO is a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Korean house, designed as an individual hanok stay that opened in 2023. This space blends the old hanok structure with a focus on engaging the five senses through curated experiences like garden meditation, custom music playlists, and natural scents. The interior showcases traditional crafts and artworks in collaboration with various artists and uses naturally dyed fabrics for its bedding.

With its clever name, A Better Place serves as an alternative stay that offers clean, minimalism without any compromises on modern amenities. Modular furniture is simplistic and functional, while the wooden floors and fixtures tie back to Korean tradition. Enjoy the coffee here too in the tranquil environment, while you reflect on the finer things in life.

NUWA is a tastefully renovated private hanok located in the quiet residential area of Seochon Village. This accommodation offers a modern, intimate experience within a traditional framework, featuring just one living room-style space. A unique architectural highlight is its unusual circular window, reminiscent of a full moon, which provides a direct view of Inwangsan Mountain from the sleeping area.